2003 Acura RSX vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2003 Acura RSX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura RSX (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 64 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Acura RSX (192 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 2003 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2003 Acura RSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | RSX | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
